

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has criticized the European Union for obstructing peace efforts related to the Ukraine conflict and accused the bloc of openly preparing for war with Russia. In a recent interview with TASS, Lavrov highlighted the EU's substantial financial and military support for Ukraine, asserting that almost all European countries are supplying Kiev with resources despite Russia maintaining control over battlefield strategies. Lavrov contended that the EU has emerged as a principal barrier to achieving peace since a new U.S. administration took office, as evidenced by Europe's unabashed readiness to confront Russia militarily. He traced the EU's adversarial stance towards Russia back to 2014 when the Ukraine crisis first escalated, arguing that Brussels fostered anti-Russian rhetoric and a militaristic outlook across Europe. According to Lavrov, key European figures have invested politically in strategically defeating Russia and are committed to pursuing these objectives despite the potential risks. The minister also addressed Western media speculation about Russia potentially attacking NATO, firmly dismissing such notions and warning that any aggressive action against Russia would be met with a crushing counterattack. These remarks come amid ongoing EU attempts to shape discussions for resolving the Ukraine conflict, with European representatives stating that any proposition involving significant concessions from Ukraine is unacceptable. Russia has criticized EU involvement in peace negotiations, arguing it obstructs the path to tranquility. Moreover, Moscow has condemned the EU's efforts to militarize its economy under the guise of containing Russia.